How Improv Can Support Your Social Good Goals
10 Things Social Purpose Organizations Need to Know About Improv for Growth
In the world of social impact, effective communication, adaptability, and collaboration are essential for success. Whether you're engaging with funders, leading a team, or advocating for your mission, the way you present yourself and interact with others can make all the difference.
That’s why we invited Bryce Seto, founder of Seto Improv, to lead our 10 Things session on how improvisation techniques can help social purpose organizations strengthen their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
With a unique background in business and acting, Bryce has worked as a Chief Revenue Officer, completed an MBA from the Ivey School of Business, and trained as an actor with Second City Toronto. Through Seto Improv, he now helps professionals from all industries apply improv principles to enhance leadership, collaboration, and executive presence.
In this session, Bryce shared how the core principles of improv — especially "Yes, And" — can create stronger teams, improve public speaking, and foster innovation in mission-driven organizations.
Key Takeaways
1. The Power of “Yes, And”
At the core of improv is the concept of “Yes, And” — an approach that encourages active listening, validation, and building upon ideas rather than shutting them down. In an improv setting, performers must accept the reality presented to them and contribute to moving the scene forward. The same principle applies in nonprofit work, where validating others’ perspectives and collaborating openly leads to stronger relationships, better brainstorming, and a more inclusive team culture.
Bryce emphasized that "Yes, And" doesn't mean agreeing with everything — it means acknowledging someone’s perspective before adding to it. This fosters a sense of collaboration rather than conflict, which is essential when working with diverse stakeholders, donors, and communities.
2. Adaptability: Learning to Navigate the Unexpected
Social purpose work is unpredictable. Whether it’s a sudden shift in funding, an unexpected crisis, or rapid organizational growth, leaders must be able to pivot and make decisions on the spot. Improv helps build this skill by teaching people to stay present, think on their feet, and respond with confidence rather than hesitation.
Bryce described improv as "building the plane while flying it." This mindset encourages nonprofits to embrace uncertainty, remain agile, and view challenges as opportunities for creative problem-solving rather than roadblocks.
3. Listening Fully Before Responding
One of the biggest mistakes people make—whether in a conversation, a pitch, or a negotiation—is focusing too much on what they want to say next instead of truly listening. Improv forces participants to slow down, take in all the information around them (including body language and tone), and respond thoughtfully.
In the nonprofit sector, deep listening can lead to more effective community engagement, better donor stewardship, and stronger team dynamics. Bryce encouraged attendees to practice asking clarifying questions and using pauses rather than rushing to respond, as this leads to deeper understanding and stronger connections.
4. Storytelling Wins Over Facts
Data and statistics are important, but compelling stories are what inspire action. Bryce highlighted that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in both improv and nonprofit work. Studies show that people are 22 times more likely to remember a story than a statistic.
Through improv, individuals learn how to craft engaging narratives, structure their messages clearly, and deliver them with confidence. This is especially useful for nonprofit leaders when fundraising, rallying volunteers, or advocating for policy change. Bryce encouraged organizations to think about their storytelling through the lens of the Hero’s Journey—where the challenge, struggle, and ultimate resolution are clearly presented to create emotional resonance.
5. Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety
One of the reasons people fear improv is the risk of looking “silly” or making mistakes. But in an improv setting, mistakes are not only accepted—they’re celebrated. Bryce calls this the “mistakes are magic” philosophy.
Creating a psychologically safe environment where team members feel comfortable taking risks, sharing ideas, and failing forward is essential for innovation and growth. In nonprofit work, where challenges are often complex and solutions require creativity, fostering an environment where all ideas are welcomed can lead to breakthrough moments.
6. Presence and Executive Presence
A strong presence is often what differentiates a leader who commands attention from one who fades into the background. Bryce spoke about how improv teaches executive presence—the ability to project confidence, engage an audience, and establish credibility.
For nonprofit leaders, this skill is critical when pitching funders, presenting at events, or mobilizing communities. Presence isn’t just about the words you say—it’s about body language, eye contact, and the energy you bring to a room.
7. Turning Constraints into Opportunities
Nonprofits often operate with limited resources, whether it’s funding, staff, or time. But as Bryce pointed out, constraints can actually fuel creativity. In improv, performers create entire worlds out of a single prompt or object, turning limitations into opportunities.
Similarly, nonprofits can use constraints to differentiate themselves, rethink their strategies, and find innovative ways to engage supporters. Instead of seeing barriers, leaders should ask, “How can we use what we have to create something new?”
8. Collaboration Over Competition
Unlike stand-up comedy, where an individual performer is the focus, improv is a team sport. Success depends on working together, responding to cues, and ensuring that everyone contributes.
In the nonprofit world, the most successful organizations understand that collaboration—not competition—drives impact. Whether through cross-sector partnerships, community co-creation, or engaging volunteers as key stakeholders, collaboration strengthens social change efforts.
9. Public Speaking Confidence Comes with Practice
Many people fear public speaking, but improv provides a safe space to practice thinking on your feet and building confidence. Bryce encouraged attendees to reframe their fear of public speaking as an opportunity to practice and improve.
He shared a technique known as "constructive embarrassment," where putting yourself in mildly uncomfortable situations (e.g., delivering an impromptu speech or acting out a scene in improv) helps desensitize you to fear. Over time, these small moments of discomfort build resilience and confidence, making it easier to present in high-stakes situations like fundraising pitches or keynote speeches.
10. Play is a Mindset—And It Prevents Burnout
Social impact work can be emotionally and mentally taxing, and burnout is a real concern in the sector. Improv teaches people how to reintroduce playfulness into their work, which fosters connection, reduces stress, and enhances creativity.
Bryce emphasized that incorporating play doesn’t mean making light of serious issues—it means approaching challenges with curiosity, optimism, and a willingness to experiment. Leaders who bring a playful, open mindset to their work are often more resilient, adaptable, and effective in engaging their teams.
Your Questions, Answered
During the session, attendees had the opportunity to ask Bryce questions, leading to valuable insights on practical implementation. Here are a few highlights from our Q&A session.
How can we apply improv techniques when working with stakeholders who are unaware of these methods?
Bryce encouraged participants to use Yes, And in real-world conversations without explicitly labeling it as improv. By validating stakeholders’ concerns before presenting solutions, nonprofit leaders can foster more productive and collaborative discussions.
What role does improv play in building trust within new teams?
Improv builds trust by creating an environment where team members feel heard and valued. Practicing validation and active listening can help teams break down silos and strengthen collaboration.
How can we incorporate storytelling into donor pitches?
Bryce recommended structuring stories using a clear challenge-solution-outcome framework and practicing delivery for maximum impact. People connect with stories, not just facts.
How can organizations incorporate play into serious social justice work?
While playfulness must be contextually appropriate, embracing humor and creativity in problem-solving can energize teams and sustain motivation over the long term.
What’s next?
Improv isn’t just for comedy — it’s a powerful tool for social purpose organizations to build stronger teams, communicate effectively, and navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Whether it’s being used to create a culture of collaboration, refining storytelling for donor engagement, or developing executive presence, these skills can elevate an organization’s ability to create change.
The Good Growth Company believes that embracing adaptability, creativity, and strong communication is key to scaling impact. Stay connected for upcoming sessions.
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